Government Scraps Immigration Procedures for Indian Crew on Coastal Vessels
According to an office
memorandum issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, shore
access for Indian national crew and supernumeraries on Indian-flag coastal
vessels will henceforth be regulated by the respective port authorities. The ministry has directed port authorities
to maintain records and data of Indian national crew and supernumeraries
serving on coastal-run vessels.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration will conduct periodic surprise
inspections and may seek crew lists from Indian-flag coastal vessels, dredgers,
barges, research vessels and other similar categories of vessels. The move is expected to simplify
operational procedures for Indian seafarers working on coastal vessels while
ensuring that appropriate records and monitoring mechanisms remain in
place. Sign-on refers to the commencement of a seafarer’s service agreement
onboard a vessel, while sign-off marks the completion of the contract. Shore
leave allows seafarers to go ashore during a vessel’s port stay, providing an
important break from their duties and supporting their health and well-being.
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